ABSTRACT:

There is increasing concern in India and other countries that global warming is growing in its effect. The global warming impact of a refrigerant relative to CO2 can be measured by its GWP. R134a was initially assessed as having a GWP of 1300 (IPCC 2001) and later assessed to have a GWP of 1430 (IPCC 2007). This is thought to be disconcertingly high and has prompted a search for alternatives. The European Union (EU) is one body that has taken the course of proceeding down the legislative path to try to address possible future consequences of global warming. Under the legislation, the replacement refrigerants must have a GWP of less than 150. Industry has begun searching for alternatives with a lower global warming potential (GWP). So, there is urgent need of alternative refrigerants to R134a. R-152a is a more environmentally benign refrigerant compared to R-134a with a GWP of 120. Both refrigerants are hydro-fluorocarbons – HFCs – (contain no chlorine) and hence, have zero ozone depletion potential.  R152a have some flammability issues but have no ozone depletion potential and have a significantly lower GWP. R152 is energy efficient than R134a. Project work deals with testing a Vapor Compression Refrigeration System using the two likely drop-in candidate refrigerants R134a and R152a in representative environments under controlled conditions. Performance Parameters such as COP, Cooling capacity, condenser capacity, energy efficiency etc. has been analysed for same condensation temperature of 44°C and evaporation temperature ranging from -5°C to 10°C.